The best gaming headsets from cybersports brand Kingston HyperX: models for PCs, laptops, gaming consoles and even smartphones.
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Best HyperX headphones
The HyperX brand is owned by Kingston and is in the business of making gaming peripherals. Music headphones are not in the range, of course, but the firm is actively working to improve the sound quality of its models.
And indeed, any HyperX headset, regardless of its price, sounds better than "classmates". But the main thing gamers appreciate about these headphones is the maximum ergonomics and comfort of fit on the head.
HyperX Cloud Alpha S
The best sound
The Alpha have been good before, and the new edition makes them even better. The S version is more comfortable, sounds great, gets a redesigned microphone, and gets its own sound card.
Reasons to buy:
- Very sturdy construction;
- Great sound;
- Versatile use;
- Sound card included;
- Reinforced fabric braided cords.
The letter S in the model marking means that the headphones support Surround 7.1. The included audio card with USB connector connects to any computer. It allows you to adjust the volume of both channels (speakers and microphone), balance chat and gaming sound, as well as switch to and from Surround mode.
On the Alf's cups are sliders for adjusting the woofer. Essentially, they change the acoustic design from closed to fully open. The cups themselves are dual-chambered, which increases the clarity of all frequencies in a very wide range of 13-27,000 Hz.
The sound in the "ears" is balanced, accurate and allows you to orient yourself perfectly in the game. In this respect, the Alpha S is a head above most gamer headsets. Of course, it doesn't quite make it to the audiophile headphones - it lacks scene width - but it is perfect for watching video content "with immersion".
The microphone is good here, too. It effectively cuts off parasitic noise, almost does not distort the voice (with the 7.1 mode turned off), and its pop-filter corrects and muffles problematic "b" and "p". It connects to your ears via a 3.5mm mini-jack.
The novelty is almost unbreakable, made solidly and pleasantly surprises with a rich package. In addition to the installed leatherette ear cushions in the box you will also find cloth ones to replace them. Alphas are available in black with bright red and blue trim, less common is the total black version.
HyperX Cloud Flight S
Good battery life, plus wireless charging
The full-size Cloud Flight headphones are suitable for PC gaming and PS4 or PS4 Pro consoles. The model turned out to be concise and comfortable, at the same time pleasing with convenient controls located right on the cups.
Reasons to buy:
- Up to 30 hours of battery life;
- Wireless charging Qi (no charger included);
- Improved removable microphone with noise reduction;
- Multicolored discharge indicator;
- Reassignable control buttons.
The Flight S gaming headset is the result of a small redesign of its wired counterpart. In addition to the convenience of the wireless format, the manufacturer worked through customer complaints about the previous model.
In particular, the range of sound reproduction shifted to the bass, which will allow you to better feel the "loud" special effects in the game. The frequency characteristics of the microphone are noticeably wider - it distorts the voice less and cuts off unnecessary noise well.
The sound in the "ears" is optimally detailed, but for audiophiles there is nothing remarkable - after all, the model is purely for gaming. The virtual Surround 7.1 mode does not change the picture much - it will not increase the accuracy of detection of the invisible enemy.
The volume control is located directly on the headphones. It is supplemented by gaming sound mixing and chat buttons, as well as on/off button for surround sound. The functions of the controls can be reassigned to the HyperX NGenuity as you wish - you don't have to go into the software for anything else, which is also a plus.
The headphones communicate with your computer via radio, communicating up to 20 meters, USB-receiver is included. In this mode, at medium-volume battery power enough for 30 hours of work.
The headset is made of plastic, but it has soft padding on the headband and fairly thick comfortable ear cushions filled with Memory Foam and covered with leather. The cups can be tilted and rotated, which increases comfort. The headphones do not put much pressure on your ears and head, although they can come off during sudden movements.
HyperX Cloud Stinger Core 7.1 Wireless
Lightweight home headset
The Stinger is a large line of gaming headphones aimed at PlayStation and Xbox consoles. But this model can also be used with a desktop computer or laptop.
Pros:
- Wireless connection via radio link;
- Low weight;
- Comfortable fit with fine adjustments;
- Adequate price.
Cons:
- Sound distortion when the 7.1 is turned on.
In the latest update of the Core 7.1 line, the Wireless got the most additional features: digital Surround sound and wireless connectivity. Because of the latter decision, the manufacturer moved all the controls to the cups of the device.
The microphone here, unlike most HyperX models, is fixed, but mobile: it automatically turns off when you move it to the upper position and turns on when you put it down.
The sound of the "ears" and the work of the microphone is at a sufficient level for comfortable gaming and communication. Bass is good and clear, which will please fans of shooters. Disappointing is the implementation of surround sound - in expensive models it works much better. But Stinger still belong to the budget segment HyperX.
The built-in battery lasts about 17 hours of use before recharging. It could be more, but then the weight of the headset would increase. As for the headphones, they are unusually light - 244 grams, despite the metal headband frame and large full-size cups. The tactile fabric ear cushions also increase the comfort of the model.
HyperX Cloud Revolver S
A flagship model awaiting an upgrade
The Revolver premium lineup features great for a gamer headset in sound, comfort, durability, and impeccable positioning in games.
Reasons to buy:
- Comfortable fit;
- Beautiful, clear sound with calibrated frequencies;
- Unidirectional microphone with noise modulation;
- Long cord;
- Suitable for PC, PlayStation4 and phones with miniJack.
Revolver are made in good faith. The sturdy metal headband is complemented by a movable soft headband with memory foam, the cups are large and soft, comfortably rotate on hinges. The flexible leg of the microphone remembers the shape at once, allowing you to position it in the right position. Complementing all this is a very thick cord in a textile braid.
It comes with a separate sound card with a button to control surround sound. On this module you can also turn on the bass booster or improve the sound of the voice. But still, the device will be useful only for those who do not have a good discrete audio card.
Full-size wired headphones with a fairly wide frequency range (12-28,000 Hz) have directional speakers. They have a very high accuracy of sound source detection in the game: you can hear footsteps, breathing, metal grinding outside the line of sight - and you clearly understand where and how far away from you all this is happening.
The best part is that the manufacturer is already ready to release an update to this model. The new Revolver +7.1 is a bit heavier, so the headband with suspension comes in handy here. The question is whether it will take the weight of the headset, so before buying a fitting is mandatory.
Also in the kit promises another sound card - more like the one that is sold together with the Cloud Alpha S. The Surround effect has been improved as well, making it full-fledged, with the construction of a wide scene. Another important difference of the new version is the wide range of compatible devices, up to PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox One.
HyperX Cloud Mix
Versatile headphones for home and outdoors
For HyperX, this is their first attempt at a Bluetooth gaming model, not just for gaming, but with the ability to use them as wireless headphones for music from their phones. And it's not without its compromises.
Reasons to buy:
- Versatility;
- Extended playback range;
- Noise modulation on the "main" microphone;
- Ability to work on the wire and without it;
- Good autonomy (up to 20 hrs).
Full-size 40-ohm Cloud Mix headphones are versatile in their own way. They clearly sound better than the usual gaming ones, and the range of playable frequencies is 10-40 000 Hz. After adjusting the equalizer, you can not only play on the computer, but also watch movies or listen to music from your phone.
However, you should take into account that the model works on BT, that is, for gaming use it is better to use a complete wire - only then the sound of both "ears" and the microphone will be excellent. In wireless Mix mode, you are forced to choose one thing. This is the price for being able to use one headset both at home and on the street.
There are actually two microphones: one is built into the cup and is suitable for talking on the phone, the other is removable, on a flexible leg, equipped with a pop-filter. It is designed to communicate with teammates. And here again we have to compromise, because the detachable microphone works only when connected by wire.
To make the "ears" even more universal the manufacturer somewhat reduced their size and simplified the design to laconic minimalism. The design uses metal (on the cups and headband), the headphones are covered with pleasant touch leatherette and in general they are very well built.
The package includes a USB charger, two 1.3m and 2m miniJack cables and a soft pouch for storing and carrying the accessories.
HyperX Cloud Buds
The only HyperX earmuffs
The compact Bluetooth headphones dilute the range of full-size HyperX headsets. Now fans of the brand have the opportunity to use its devices anywhere and play mobile games with the usual comfort.
Pros:
- Comfortable format with a neckband;
- Excellent autonomy performance;
- Support for aptX codecs (including HD);
- Rich bundling.
Cons:
- Mediocre microphone.
With standard frequency characteristics Cloud Buds produce decent sound and even cope with positioning in games. Alas, low-frequency special effects in them sound weak - the form factor does not allow to get good bass at the output.
This is quite expected, as well as the average quality of the built-in microphone. However, the latter is well placed and always "catches" your voice correctly, no matter how much you turn your head.
The earphones come with a tight case, three pairs of ear cushions of different sizes, and a Type-C cable for charging. The model is comfortable for everyday wear, thanks to the neckband and good balance. But the earmuffs are not designed for active sports activities.
HyperX Brand Technology
HyperX has several lines of headphones, including both niche and generic options. All of them are now grouped into the Cloud series.
The top segment includes Alpha, Revolver and Orbit models. Stinger headphones mostly represent the budget segment, Mix and Flight are somewhere in the middle.
With each line the manufacturer works separately, improving and improving the models. The company is currently actively introducing two technologies:
Wireless .
Until recently, all HyperX headphones were wired. Now, when updating promising lines, the brand creates wireless versions, complete with a USB radio transmitter. It's a great way to get rid of unnecessary wires and not lose out on gaming responsiveness.
HyperX's wireless models offer above-average autonomy and have easy-to-use controls on the cups that are easy to use blindly.
There are a couple of Bluetooth-enabled models: the full-size Cloud Mix headphones and the neck-rimmed Cloud Buds. They can no longer be seriously considered gamer headsets, but as universal accessories for home and street they are quite interesting.
Surround 7.1
Surround sound emulation is used to expand your audio scene and improve your game navigation. HyperX models with this feature are prefixed with S or 7.1 and come with an external sound card that connects to the platform via USB.
In earlier versions and inexpensive headphones like Stinger, this technology is raw and does not always give the desired presence effect. But in the new Alpha S headphones, Flight S and expected later this year Revolver +7.1 model the "sound around" function already works perfectly, maximizing positioning, making the sound picture very clear and volumetric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my HyperX headphones sound quiet?
Your technology is not "pushing through" the impedance of your headphones. With the top-of-the-line HyperX headphones, the impedance can be as low as 40-65 ohms, but laptops, phones, and other devices that do not have dedicated amplifiers are usually designed for 30 ohms impedance. The problem is solved by connecting through an external sound card.
Should we wait for Cloud Revolver +7.1 or can we get Revolver S?
Our opinion - it is worth waiting for November when the updated version goes on sale. It is much better in terms of sound and already has a full Surround effect. Although the price of new items, of course, will be higher.
Are there models for Xbox?
Yes - the manufacturer has a whole series of CloudX, licensed by Xbox. It includes versions of the Stinger and Stinger Core headphones, Flight, and a one-way HyperX Chat Headset.
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